Taylor Mills School February Highlights

The following highlights are submitted by Irene Policastro, the Secretary to Superintendent John J. Marciante of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.

This month our students really focused on the “heart of the matter” showing kindness to each other, celebrating diversity, and helping out their fellow citizens. Taylor Mills’ students observed a number of special days during the month of February. During the week of Jan. 21 through Feb. 1, students participated in our “SOUP”-er Bowl Canned Food Drive to benefit the Samaritan Center. For each canned or non-perishable good donated, students received a point and moved ahead on the virtual football field. On Feb. 1, the class with the most donations was awarded the famous “TM Travelling Trophy” for their school spirit and service to others. Congratulations to Mrs. Coats’ class for winning the trophy this month and to Ms. Fisher and Ms. Straglinos’ class for coming in a close 2nd and 3rd place! On February 6th, all of our students were treated to our Taylor Mills Celebrates Broadway Talent Show. Students and parents were entertained with a host of fun and fabulous acts representing shows from Wicked to Footloose. Our first graders celebrated the 100th Day of School on February 25th. The halls were adorned with a variety of projects and written pieces about all things “100!” Students participated in a variety of rotations aimed at improving their academics while focusing on the theme.

On Feb. 12 and Feb. 14, we celebrated Valentine’s Day in conjunction with our Heart Healthy Jump Rope-A-Thon and Hoops for the Heart fundraising event to benefit the American Heart Association. Students and staff members in grades three through five exercised their hearts during three hour- long sessions in the gymnasium. What a great way to commemorate two special days aimed at recognizing our heart (both literally and figuratively)!

During that same week, Taylor Mills School students along with students around the nation celebrated Kindness Week. To help facilitate our students’ getting to know one another better AND thereby increasing random acts of kindness, the TM Student Government and Mrs. Parisi hosted morning announcements and classroom activities aimed at promoting kindness throughout the building. Students pledged to treat their fellow students with kindness and be “up-standers” when they witness acts that are unkind. In addition, students were given the opportunity to recognize each other for the little things that were done each day to bring a smile to someone’s face. Lastly, our Student Government led an initiative to show kindness to our TROOPS. They put out a call to all of our families to donate items for Soldiers’ Care Packages. With the help of Ms. Blaker, Mrs. Parisi, Mr. Walsh and all of our wonderful families, our soldiers will feel a little kindness from our Taylor Mills students.

Last, but not least, our Taylor Mills’ students celebrated the national Inauguration season with a special ceremony of our own. Our School President, Gillian Berger, was sworn in the same day as the American President. Matthew Benedetti (5th grade), Sean Reinstein (4th grade), and Andrew Ballarino (3rd grade) were also sworn in as the grade level Vice Presidents. Parents and family members were invited to this special Inauguration Ceremony where our entire Student Government and our Officers were officially sworn in. Congratulations to our Taylor Mills leadership team!